We use cookies to customise content for your subscription and for analytics.If you continue to browse Lexology, we will assume that you are happy to receive all our cookies. For further information please read our Cookie Policy.

On February 11, 2016, H.R. 4441 – the Aircraft Innovation Reform and Reauthorization Act (“AIRR Act”) passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (“T&I Committee”). According to T&I Committee chairman, Representative Bill Shuster, “[t]he committee considered approximately 75 amendments during today’s meeting and more than half of them were approved.” Of the amendments which were passed, the ones affecting the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“UAS”) include the following:

An amendment striking the liability insurance requirement from risked-based permitting of UAS.

An amendment to establish a micro category for commercial drones.

An amendment to increase civil penalties for operators of UAS which recklessly interfere with wildfire suppression.

The AIRR Act is expected to be heard by the full House later in February. The bill as introduced is available here, and the list of approved amendments is available here (the revised text of the bill has not yet been made available).

Compare jurisdictions: BYOD: Bring Your Own Device

"Lexology is a very relevant and interesting resource for South African in-house lawyers. The newsfeeds are a good measure of a firm's expertise and offer an interesting insight into recent legal developments. I would highly recommend Lexology to colleagues."